Did a search still confused about convertible bumpers.

[Shawn808]

Aloha! I am new here (just joined yesterday) and have spent most of the night and day browsing through this wonderful forum. I live in Hawaii and am looking at buying a 89 to 91 E30 convertible.

I have a quick question about the bumpers. So far all the 90 and 91 E30 convertibles that I have looked at for sale here have the chrome bumpers. I keep reading on here that the E30 came with body colored bumpers year 89 and on. Is the Convertible version USA bumpers different? If so will the M-tech bumper fit on the front and rear? Or will modification be needed?

I want the entire kit but from reading on this forum I know the coupe side skirts wont fit. Ideally I want my E30 to look like Joonatan H. from Finland (jonsku) can anyone tell me what kit this is that come with the side panels also?

And can I get this kit here in the USA?
Any help you can provide will be appreciated.
Thanks!
Shawn

[Wishno87]

1: E30 convertibles changed over later than the fixed roof models. Sometime in 91.

2: The mtech 2 bumpers shown in your photos will fit any convertible but it will be easiest to mount them to a 91 and later

3: That kit is called an Mtech 2 kit and can be bought in USA. I think there is someone selling on in the for sale section.

[Shawn808]

Thanks Wishno87 so these side skirts and door panel/caps should fit the convertible too then?: (since they fit the coupe)

http://www.raceonusa.com/raceonusa-hiflex-type174-body-kit-side-skirts-bmw-3series-8491-2door-p-1831.html?cPath=722_725

http://www.raceonusa.com/raceonusa-hiflex-type174-body-kit-door-caps-bmw-3series-8491-2door-p-1819.html?cPath=722_725

Thanks!

[Court M3]

Should fit although haven't heard of anyone using that kit. Go OEM and you won't have to worry about fitment issues.

[Shawn808]

Thanks Court M3 so I guess its the Mtech 1 kit that wont fit the lower sides of the convertible models? I know I read somewhere on here that the lower side panels are lower on the convertible so normal E30 side skirts wont fit.

Sorry I am getting confused...

[Wishno87]

Thanks Wishno87 so these side skirts and door panel/caps should fit the convertible too then?: (since they fit the coupe)

http://www.raceonusa.com/raceonusa-hiflex-type174-body-kit-side-skirts-bmw-3series-8491-2door-p-1831.html?cPath=722_725

http://www.raceonusa.com/raceonusa-hiflex-type174-body-kit-door-caps-bmw-3series-8491-2door-p-1819.html?cPath=722_725

Thanks!

If they are made for a coupe they will not fit a convertible.

[Shawn808]

Thanks Wishno87 is it just the height? (the side skirt is higher then the cars side) or will the door molds not fit up also? If its only the height (I have to make it lower) I think I can mod it to fit. But if its the door lengths or something big I dont think I can.

[Wishno87]

The entire side sill is taller. So convertible side sills hang down lower than coupes. The door lengths are the same as the coupes.

[Shawn808]

Thanks Wishno87! Gonna go look at one today, other then the typical list: Anything else I should look for? I prefer a 90+ model but all the ones for sale are 88 and 87s.

# the timing belt on the M20 ($1500+ if it breaks, $250 before it breaks), profile gasket on the M42 ($1000+ to replace), etc)
# Leather interior is a high dollar item. The seats are convertible specific. It is common for the top of the rear seat to split, due to the leather drying out.
# Power tops may be an issue. If they are manually operated, they will need to be reset. A common failure is for the top motor casing to fail. See the power top page for more information.
# The convertible top is also a high dollar item. The condition of the top can make a significant change in the asking price of the car.
# Removable hardtops are a big plus. People that have them, love them. A hardtop alone will go for between $500-$1500.
# If certain features (airbag, for example) are important, take a look at the model year differences to see which years had those features.
# Front fenders, doors and interior are convertible specific.

[3bvert]

wow is it really 1k to do the front profile gasket ??

[Shawn808]

3bvert I am not sure I sourced that list from here:

http://e30ic.com/buyguide.htm